Warning against fake TripAdvisor reviews

New Zealand tourism operators are being warned against a service offering to provide fake reviews to improve their TripAdvisor profiles.

A number of tourism businesses around the country have received an email this week offering as many as 20 false reviews for $297. It is unclear whether the email originates from New Zealand or elsewhere.

Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) CEO Martin Snedden is strongly advising operators against purchasing fake reviews.

“TIA has reported the email to both NetSafe and TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor has said it will investigate the email,” Mr Snedden says.

“TripAdvisor is an important source of information for travellers in New Zealand and it’s vital that users are able to trust its reviews. We encourage TIA members to provide such excellent service and experiences that visitors will want to post great reviews about them.”

Travellers also need to be aware that TripAdvisor reviews are open to abuse, Mr Snedden says.

“We suggest they should check a range of reviews and websites, as well as seeking advice from the likes of i-SITE visitor information centres.”

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